Joshua 13:12
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (he alone was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); these Moses had struck and driven out.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this verse as just a historical note about Og, but notice how it ties this defeated giant king directly to the "remnant of the Rephaim." This isn't just about Og; it’s a reminder that this land was once held by immense, ancient forces that God's people, under Moses' leadership, had already begun to conquer.
This verse is part of a larger description of territories that still need to be conquered and divided among the tribes of Israel. Just before this, Joshua is told that he is old and much land remains to be possessed, and the chapter begins detailing the boundaries and specific areas still unconquered. Following this verse, the text clarifies that while Og's kingdom was struck down by Moses, other inhabitants like the Geshurites and Maachathites were not expelled, highlighting the ongoing work of claiming the land.
The conquest of Canaan wasn't a clean sweep. Even after major victories, remnants of the old powers remained. How does this shape our understanding of God's work?
Joshua 13:12 introduces us to the kingdom of Og in Bashan, highlighting that Og 'remained of the remnant of the Rephaim.' The Rephaim were an ancient, formidable people, often described as giants.
A Shadow of the Past
This isn't just a historical detail; it speaks to the persistent nature of opposition and the spiritual battles we face. Just as Og and his people represented a lingering threat from a past era, our own lives can still be influenced by old patterns of sin or doubt, even after significant spiritual victories.
God's Persistent Grace
But notice the crucial phrase: 'these Moses had struck and driven out.' While Og was a remnant, his power was broken by God's people under Moses' leadership. This reminds us that God's victory over formidable forces is not only complete but also has lasting effects. Even when opposition reappears in a diminished form, God's past triumphs provide assurance for the present.
God had promised the land, but the job wasn't finished. What does it mean to fully 'possess' the inheritance God gives us?
Joshua 13:12 details the kingdom of Og, a territory conquered by Moses. However, the larger context of Joshua 13 reveals that much of the promised land was still unconquered and needed to be divided by lot. This sets the stage for Joshua's later years, where the focus shifts from conquest to distribution and possession.
From Conquest to Inheritance
The command to divide the land by lot (as seen in Joshua 13:6-7) was crucial. Even though the land was militarily subdued in parts, the actual taking possession, settling, and establishing God's people within it was a long-term, divinely orchestrated process. This wasn't just about winning battles; it was about claiming and living within the promises.
Completing God's Work
Understand the original words
repha'im · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the descendants of an ancient people group, often associated with giants or individuals of great stature, who inhabited parts of Transjordan and Canaan. Their presence often represented a challenge to Israel that was supernaturally or historically significant.
This verse highlights the finality of Moses' conquest and the Israelites' victory over formidable enemies, setting the stage for the inheritance of the land west of the Jordan by the remaining tribes under Joshua.
c. 1400 BC
Early Settlements in Bashan
The region of Bashan, known for its fertile land and ancient giants, begins to be settled by Amorites and other groups.
c. 1300 BC
Reign of Og in Bashan
Og, a king of the Amorites and possibly of giant lineage, rules over a significant kingdom in Bashan, with its capital in Edrei and presence in Ashtaroth.
c. 1405 BC
Moses Encounters Sihon and Og
While seeking passage to the Promised Land, Moses and the Israelites are denied entry by Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Defeat of Sihon and Og
The Israelite army decisively defeats Sihon and Og in battle. Moses then conquers their kingdoms, including Og's kingdom in Bashan, driving out its inhabitants.
This passage directly recounts Moses' victory over King Og and the Amorites in Bashan, setting the stage for the inheritance described in Joshua 13.
Deuteronomy 3:1-11This chapter provides a more detailed account of the conquest of Og's kingdom, including its vast territory and the destruction of its inhabitants, emphasizing its formidable nature.
Genesis 14:5This verse mentions the Rephaim, the ancient people from whom Og was a remnant, highlighting the deep historical roots of the giants and their presence in the land long before Israel's arrival.
Joshua 12:4This verse lists King Og of Bashan as one of the kings conquered by Moses, providing context for the kingdom mentioned in Joshua 13 as already defeated and accounted for.
calvinJoshua 13:1-14: "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."
From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
A Nilo qui est e regione AEgypti usque ad terminum Ecron, qui es…
gillJoshua 13:12: "All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out."
All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei,.... See Gill on Joshua 12:4 , who remained of the remnant of the giants; was descended from those that remained in Ashtaroth, after the rest were cut off by Chedorlaomer, Genesis 14:5; called there the Rephaim, as here: for these did Moses smite, a…
It's easy to read this verse as just a historical note about Og, but notice how it ties this defeated giant king directly to the "remnant of the Rephaim." This isn't just about Og; it’s a reminder that this land was once held by immense, ancient forces that God's people, under Moses' leadership, had already begun to conquer.
This verse is part of a larger description of territories that still need to be conquered and divided among the tribes of Israel. Just before this, Joshua is told that he is old and much land remains to be possessed, and the chapter begins detailing the boundaries and specific areas still unconquered. Following this verse, the text clarifies that while Og's kingdom was struck down by Moses, other inhabitants like the Geshurites and Maachathites were not expelled, highlighting the ongoing work of claiming the land.
This verse is part of a larger description of territories that still need to be conquered and divided among the tribes of Israel. Just before this, Joshua is told that he is old and much land remains to be possessed, and the chapter begins detailing the boundaries and specific areas still unconquered. Following this verse, the text clarifies that while Og's kingdom was struck down by Moses, other inhabitants like the Geshurites and Maachathites were not expelled, highlighting the ongoing work of claiming the land.
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Calvin notes that Joshua was old, and much land 'remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.' This highlights a vital principle: God's work is often progressive. Victory is won, but the full realization of that victory—the 'possession'—requires ongoing faithfulness, obedience, and perseverance. We are called not just to win initial victories but to live fully in the inheritance Christ has secured for us.
c. 1405 BC
Granting of Land East of the Jordan
The conquered territories of Sihon and Og east of the Jordan River are given as an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
c. 1390 BC
Joshua's Later Years and Land Division
Now an old man, Joshua is tasked by God to oversee the division of the remaining lands west of the Jordan among the remaining tribes.
"all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (he alone was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); these Moses had struck and driven out." — It's easy to read this verse as just a historical note about Og, but notice how it ties this defeated giant king directly to the "remnant of the Rephaim." This isn't just about Og; it’s a reminder th…
